John Michael Palmer Sr.

PFC John Michael Palmer

November 18, 1947 - January 16, 2026

PFC John Michael Palmer, a proud Kiowa, Comanche, and Choctaw man, decorated Vietnam veteran, and direct descendant of White Bear, passed from this earth on January 16, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 78. His Kiowa name was Sait-Day, or Standing Bear.

John was born on November 18, 1947, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Wilbur Palmer and Winifred Kassavanoid Palmer. Raised in the Stecker area by his father, John's young life was defined by a spirit of high adventure. Whether he was exploring the Oklahoma landscape or navigating his school days at Chilocco, Stecker, and Broxton, John was adventurous from the very start. He remained deeply close to his paternal grandmother, Maggie, whose influence helped shape the man of principle he became.

He and Frances Ahdunko were married in June of 1966. For nearly sixty years, they were partners in every sense of the word. Perhaps nothing captured John's spirit better than the roar of his Harley-Davidson. He loved to ride everywhere, with Frances right behind him, holding on for dear life as they blazed a trail on every road they saw. Together, they chased horizons and lived a life full of the high adventure.

In 1968, John answered the call of duty and entered the United States Army. He served with distinction as a machine gunner in Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, the "Golden Dragons." During his service, John was wounded in action in the Fo Noi Island area of Vietnam earning the first of two Purple Hearts.

His bravery and skill were further recognized through numerous honors, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman Badge (Rifle M-14), and Sharpshooter Badge (Machine Gun M-60).

Upon returning to Oklahoma after his service, John continued to better himself and his community. He earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Central Oklahoma. A gifted craftsman and mechanic, he shared his skills as a carpentry teacher with the Indian Action Program in Apache, Oklahoma.

John was known as a man who would truly give the shirt off his back or his last thin dime to anyone in need. He was a staunch advocate for human rights and a tireless voice for his fellow veterans. A man of stout principles, his integrity and genuine nature left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Frances, of Anadarko; his children and their families: Janice Palmer of Stecker, Jolynnda Palmer and husband Alan Kaulaity of Anadarko, John Palmer Jr. "Rusty" of Ft. Cobb, Clarissa Palmer and companion Crissy Noel of Anadarko. His sister Katherine Blair and husband William Blair Jr and family, half-sisters Debbie Palmer and Mary Ann Palmer Gomez, Erwin Dixon Palmer, and Danny Charles Palmer.

He had two special adopted daughters: Jalayne "JJ" Ako-Palmer of Anadarko, and Kristen Palmer of Gracemont, along with his grandchildren, Kenzie Ako, Devin Leigh and Durell Cooper, Jasmyn, Janell, and Tyler Kaulaity.

Grandchildren: Carl and Cameron Yeahquo, Gina Meyer, Jessica Palmer Quoetone, Mario Palmer, Allen, Nicholas, Grace , Travis and Ayden Kaulaity, Mikael Thompson, Neilya Palmer, Rachael and Megan Palmer, Marcos and Mariana Bustillo.

Great Grandchildren: Chloe Cantrell, Karly and Kais Wall, Kesley Palmer, Xzavin, Julian and Dorian Yeahquo, Vayda Aulerich, Elora Orum, Karter Westbrook, and Kinsley Kaulaity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Winifred and Wilbur Palmer; his grandmother, Maggie; an infant sister, half sister Carolyn Palmer, brother Tommy Palmer, half-brother Ronnie Palmer, nephew William M. Blair III, and special granddaughter Amber Ako-Palmer.

Visitation: 1:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Wake: 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Interment: Memory Lane Cemetery

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home Anadarko, OK